Migraine Headaches

Do chronic migraines weigh you down and prevent you from living the life that you want? You're not alone. According to the Paolo Alto Medical Foundation, twenty-eight million Americans suffer from chronic migraines. The condition afflicts both sexes, but women are two to three times as likely as men to experience migraine pain. In general, migraines tend to be prevalent among adults between 20 and 50 years old. Some children develop migraines, but it is most common for migraines to emerge during adolescence, especially for patients with a family history of migraines.

The Migraine Relief Center states that 14 million Americans are afflicted with undiagnosed migraines, not recognizing the cause of these common symptoms:

• Throbbing headache (often isolated to one side of the head)
• Vomiting and nausea
• Increased sensitivity to light, scents, and noise

Untreated migraines can last up to three days, so patients seeking to alleviate their pain and discomfort often turn to anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin or ibuprofen. However, these treatments are often ineffective, and stronger medications specifically formulated to treat migraines are expensive and have more serious side effects. In addition, they are not recommended for people with heart conditions or those over the age of 65.

To avoid taking drugs that are either ineffective or risky, migraine sufferers can make lifestyle decisions to avoid these common triggers:

• Red wine and caffeine consumption
• Skipped meals
• Bright lights
• Extreme stress
• Sleep deprivation

While there are medications for migraine symptoms, the best way to treat migraines is to prevent them from happening at all. A great way to avoid some of the triggers mentioned above is with healthy, natural sleep. Migraine sufferers should make sure that their sleeping area is dark and quiet. A cup of warm milk is also a great way to tone down before bed. And, of course, the bed must be comfortable with clean sheets and a supportive pillow. Memory foam pillows like the Sleep Better Pillow give the necessary support for a healthy night's sleep. These pillows provide optimal spinal alignment and keep airways open, making relaxation easier.

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